Your future customers are searching for their next meal right now—will they find you? If you’re a restaurant owner, the answer to that question depends largely on how well you’re optimizing for local SEO. Its not just a marketing buzzword—Local SEO is an essential tool to connect with hungry diners looking for their next bite.
Whether you’re running a cozy café or a trendy steakhouse, this guide will help you tap into the power of local SEO to get more diners through your door.
What Is Local SEO and Why Does It Matter for Restaurants?
Local SEO is the art and science of optimizing your online presence so local customers can find your business when they need it most. Unlike traditional SEO, which focuses on ranking for keywords globally, local SEO zeroes in on your specific location and the surrounding area.
If you’ve ever typed “best pizza near me” into your phone, you’ve used local SEO to tell search engines what you want and where you are. According to research, 77% of diners search online before visiting a restaurant, and near me searches for “restaurants” surged by over 900% in the last two years. That’s why it’s so important to nail your restaurant’s local SEO.
1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile
When it comes to local SEO for restaurants, your Google Business Profile (GBP) is your best friend. Previously called Google My Business (GMB), this free tool lets you tell potential customers everything they need to know about your eatery—from your location and hours to photos of your drool-worthy dishes.
Setting Up and Optimizing Your GBP:
- Create Your Profile at Google Business Profile Manager.
- Add Accurate Information (NAP): Name, Address, and Phone Number. These must match exactly across your website, social media pages, and anywhere else you’re listed.
- Upload Photos of your food, interior, and menu. High-quality visuals make a big impression.
- Choose the Right Categories (e.g., “Italian Restaurant,” “Steakhouse”).
- Start Asking for Reviews: Ask your regular customers to leave a review on your Google Business Profile.
- Post Regular Updates about special events, promotions, or menu changes to keep customers engaged and informed.
- Respond to Reviews promptly and professionally, both positive and negative ones. This shows that you value customer feedback and are willing to address any issues that may arise.
- Use Keywords in your business description and posts, keeping in mind what potential customers may be searching for when looking for a restaurant like yours.
2. Use Local Keywords
Local diners aren’t just looking for “restaurants”—they search for specific cuisines, atmospheres, and places near landmarks. Keywords like “best Thai restaurant in Atlanta” or “vegan café near Union Square” are gold for restaurant SEO.
How to Use Local Keywords Effectively
Website Copy
Sprinkle local keywords naturally throughout your homepage, “About Us” page, and contact page. For example, instead of saying “We’re a family-owned restaurant,” try “We’re a family-owned Italian restaurant in the heart of downtown Austin.” This gives visitors a sense of place, and it also boosts your chances of showing up in local searches.
Menus & Alt Text
Your online menu is another perfect spot for local keywords. If someone’s searching for “best BBQ ribs in Kansas City,” make sure you’ve mentioned Kansas City alongside your signature BBQ ribs in the menu description. Use descriptive alt text on your images, too! For instance, “Juicy Kansas City BBQ ribs with house-made sauce” satisfies both foodies and search engines alike.
Neighborhood Love
Show some love to your local area! Highlight key nearby landmarks, neighborhoods, or attractions so people know exactly where to find you. Something like, “We’re located just two blocks from Central Park” or “Minutes from Belmont University” not only helps with SEO but also builds a connection with your community. People love a neighborhood gem, and mentioning these spots makes your place more memorable (and easier to find).
3. Have a Mobile-Friendly Restaurant Website
When hunger hits, people pull out their phones. A mobile-friendly website is the difference between a customer bookmarking your page or moving on to the next restaurant.
Must-Have Mobile Features:
- Click-to-Call: Make it easy for diners to call and book a table or ask questions.
- Directions Button: Ensure customers can instantly pull up directions via Google Maps.
- Fast-Loading Pages: Sites that load slowly are abandoned quickly. Your page should load in under 3 seconds.
- Online Menus: Include readable, mobile-optimized menus complete with pricing.
According to a study by Nielsen and xAd, 64% of smartphone users searching for restaurants convert either immediately or within an hour. Make every second count!
4. Manage Your Local Listings and Citations
Google is crucial, but it’s not the only platform hungry diners use. Make sure you’re listed on review and reservation platforms like Apple, Yelp, TripAdvisor, OpenTable, and Facebook.
Tips for Managing Listings:
- Consistency is Key: Ensure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) is identical across all directories.
- Encourage Reviews Across Platforms: Don’t focus only on Google. A balanced presence helps increase visibility.
- Claim Listings in Niche Directories: Love listing your menu on a trendy foodie app? Keep using those local foodie hubs as they build your niche visibility.
- Consider using a listings management program like Yext or Brightlocal to keep all of your platform listings accurate.
5. Update Your Blog and Menu
Content is king, even when it comes to local SEO. Blogging and keeping your menu updated are excellent ways to ensure your website stays fresh and relevant for search engines and diners alike.
Restaurant Website Blog Ideas:
- Seasonal offerings (e.g., “Fall Flavors You Can’t Miss at XYZ Diner”)
- Chef tips and wine pairings
- Behind-the-scenes looks (stories about your chefs, your sourcing process, or special events)
Don’t forget the visuals! High-quality food photography not only tempts stomachs but also increases SEO value when tagged with alt text. And be sure to use those important local SEO keywords in your blog posts, too.
6. Ask for Reviews
Reviews have a huge impact on local SEO rankings, but they also influence consumer decisions. A staggering 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
Not only that, but getting reviews on your Google Business Profile is necessary for staying in the “map pack”—you know, that section of Google Maps that shows the top three local results when someone searches for restaurants nearby. Those reviews help build trust with potential diners, and they show Google that your restaurant is worth highlighting. The more positive reviews you have, the better your chances of standing out and landing in that coveted spot!
Here’s how to maximize reviews:
- Ask Gently: Encourage happy customers to leave a review, but avoid being pushy. A small reminder on receipts or table placards can do wonders.
- Make it Easy: Use a QR Code or text link that takes mobile users directly to your Google Business Profile.
- Respond to Every Review (good or bad): This shows you care and builds trust.
- Handle Negative Reviews Gracefully: Apologize, sympathize, and offer to resolve the issue privately. Avoid starting arguments or deleting bad reviews (it looks suspicious).
Fill Your Restaurant by Using Local SEO
Every search is a potential customer waiting to find you. By mastering local SEO, you make it easier for diners in your area to choose your restaurant over the competition.
Here’s a quick checklist to get started today:
- Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile.
- Use local keywords in all your content.
- Make your website mobile-friendly.
- Ensure your information is consistent across review platforms.
- Ask for reviews and respond to them.
Do you need help making your restaurant the local favorite? At Moonlit Media, we specialize in helping restaurants like yours get found. Contact us today to learn more.
